Perhaps I misspoke, but needing a network connection, needing a smartphone, giving over your details, very likely getting marketing materials you didn't want via app notifications, or email, requiring to comply with terms of service, and at any time the company is free to rescind or change the offer, to me is "paywalling". You are paying out, giving them things of real value, over and above buying the device, and if you don't then they're blocking functionality.
All the functionality should be in the device itself, and require no sign-up or ongoing relationship with the company to use it.
All the functionality should be in the device itself, and require no sign-up or ongoing relationship with the company to use it.